A Saab 9000 CSE Performance Sedan for $3k

In the early 1980s, twin cams, multi-valve cylinder heads, turbocharging, and intercooling were considered cutting-edge technologies reserved for high-performance exotics. Even the transverse-mounted front-wheel-drive layout was considered new and exciting in its efficiency.

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Despite facing serious cash flow difficulties, Swedish carmaker Saab developed a world-class sports sedan with all these features. It hit it out of the park with the Saab 9000. A 1997 9000 CSE Turbo is currently for sale on eBay Motors in Del Mar, Calif.

Collaboration by Necessity

Saab’s ’80s financial struggles almost led to a takeover by Volvo. Saab was not in a great position to build a luxury sedan that could take on BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but found a partner in Fiat to share chassis development costs.

Four models emerged from the platform. Three were sold under Fiat-owned brands: the mainstream Fiat Croma, the premium Lancia Thema, and the sporty Alfa Romeo 164. To pass US crash tests—and maintain the Swedes’ safety standards—Saab had to re-engineer much of the unibody with numerous reinforcements.

Though it looks similar to its platform mates from some angles, the 9000 is a very different car underneath. In addition to the body strengthening, it has an old-school solid-axle rear suspension in place of the Italians’ independent rear end. Saab mounted its turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve motor transversely, freeing up space for a cavernous cabin filled with clean Swedish design. It’s a perfect blend of sportiness, luxury, and practicality.

Immediate Knockout

The Saab 9000 was an immediate knockout with the motoring press. Car and Driver named it to its 10 Best list four times. In a 1991 comparison test, the Saab beat the Mercedes 190E, BMW 525i, Audi 90 Quattro, and even its Alfa Romeo 164 cousin, despite the Italian having a V-6. The magazine praised the Saab for its “blistering” speed and composed suspension, as well as its spacious and comfortable cabin.

Not content to rely on the plaudits of others, Saab conducted its own endurance trial at Talladega Speedway in 1986. It ran a 9000 at a 133-mph average speed over 100,000 kilometers in 21 days, setting 21 international speed records in the process.

Top Trim

The car for sale is a late-production 1997 9000 in top CSE trim. As such, it comes with the revised 2.3-liter turbo engine that makes 200 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with the highly desirable five-speed manual transmission. At 140,267 miles, the Saab shows some wear, especially on the leather seats. But it is described as rust-free and strong-running.

The seller also lists a number of maintenance checkboxes that have been ticked, including:

• New fuel pump
• New battery
• New tires with less than 100 miles

All fluids, including the fuel tank, were drained and replaced, according to the listing.

True Enthusiast

Despite its innovative and high-performing cars, Saab went bankrupt in 2011 after a brief stint under General Motors ownership. Even when these cars were around, the brand didn’t have as much cachet as German or British marques. It took a true enthusiast to commit to one.

These days, the casual car enthusiast may not remember much about Saab. However, for an asking price of just $2,950, you can remind them of one of the greatest luxury sedans of the 1980s.